Books for Boys10 GREAT PICTURE BOOKS THAT APPEAL TO BOYS "But Mom, I don't want to!" shrieked Mark as his mother dragged him to the table for the Summer Reading Program. "Betcha I can find a book you like," I said to Mark. I was in charge of signing children up that day, and I was armed and ready. "And if I can't...I'll...I'll..." "Balance a banana on your nose?" joked Mark. We both laughed. This boy had a sense of humor. I knew just the book for him. Five minutes later, Mark and his mother were giggling over Daniel Pinkwater's THE MAGIC PRETZEL. Getting boys interested in books can be a challenge. Studies show that boys don't find reading as enjoyable as girls do. Educators know that boys as a group score lower than girls on standardized tests that measure reading and writing skills. Boys are also more likely to be placed in remedial classes or held back a grade. One problem is that, in the past, many books written for young children weren't geared toward boys' interests. But in recent years, writers have changed direction and have started creating works filled with action, adventure, and humor that delight both boys and girls. Here are some action-oriented picture books that appeal to both genders but may be of particular interest to boys. DIG DIG DIGGING by Margaret Mayo This bright, noise-filled book has appealing pictures of tractors, fire engines, trucks, and helicopters. The text describes pulling, crunching, squashing, and digging as each does its work. Ages 2 to 6 THIS TRAIN by Paul Collicutt Trains in different settings fill each page of this brightly illustrated book. Easy enough for beginning readers and packed with many different kinds of trains. Ages 3 to 7 TOOTH-GNASHER SUPERFLASH by Daniel Pinkwater Mr. Popsnorkle and his family go looking for a new car. Who wouldn't want a car that can turn into a dinosaur? A zany story with bright, engaging illustrations. Ages 3 to 8 EDWARD AND THE PIRATES by David McPhail One night, when reading a book about pirates, Edward finds himself surrounded by real pirates who want to know where their treasure is buried. Children will love the dramatic paintings. Ages 4 to 8 HOW BIG WERE THE DINOSAURS? By Bernard Most Kid-friendly comparisons help children visualize the size of these animals. One example: A Mamenchisaurus's neck is compared to a school flagpole. A book everyone will salute! Ages 4 to 8 CLEAN YOUR ROOM, HARVEY MOON! by Pat Cummings Harvey Moon has to spend Saturday cleaning his very messy room--or else. Messy children will relate to Harvey's dilemma and the bright pictures showing his impossible task. Ages 3 to 7 SLUGS by David Greenberg Not for the squeamish, but this hilarious rhyming book with a surprising twist celebrates the joys of slugs. Did you know there are slugs that do karate? Wonderful illustrations by Victoria Chess. Ages 4 to 8 HARRY THE DIRTY DOG by Gene Zion Harry, a black and white dog, hates getting a bath. So on bath day, Harry runs away. A perennial favorite that has entertained generations of children. Ages 3 to 5 RAISE THE ROOF by Anastasia Suen This books shows all the things people do when they build a house. Humorous illustrations capture all the action going on around a construction site. Ages 3 to 8 TWO BAD ANTS by Chris Van Allsburg Two ants desert their fellow workers and stay in the kitchen eating sugar. The ants have a series of dangerous adventures. Amazing illustrations show common objects from an ant's perspective. Ages 3 to 8 |
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